Operations Supervisor Trainee

Job Description

Operations Supervisor Trainee | Sims Metal

The Tone:
This is a one-year paid Operations Supervisor Trainee program at Sims Metal, a global leader in metal recycling with facilities worldwide. Sims plays an intrinsic role in the circular economy by making resources available for future use and is committed to broadening its participation in the environmental sector. This program is designed to prepare individuals to manage a front-line team within our North American operations, leading employees and overseeing daily facility operations. Joining Sims Metal means contributing to a responsible corporate citizen and ensuring the continued success and bright future of an organization focused on safety and sustainability.

The TL;DR
• Role: Operations Supervisor Trainee
• Type: Full-time (one-year paid program)
• Location: In-person, North American operation; U.S. travel required

• Team: Operations; prepares to manage a front-line team
• Mission: To prepare individuals to lead employees and manage operations at one of Sims Metal’s many facilities.

What You’ll Actually Do
• Team Leadership & Development: Supervise production team members, including laborers and equipment operators, applying company policies, union contracts (if applicable), and promoting good employee relations through coaching and setting expectations. This includes evaluating probationary members and recommending personnel actions like hiring or promotion.
• Operational Training & Safety: Orient and provide on-the-job training to team members for safe and efficient equipment operation, instilling responsibility for good housekeeping and compliance with quality specifications. You will also participate in job hazard analyses and the development of safe work procedures.
• Production Management & Improvement: Maintain production within assigned departments at authorized levels, re-assigning team members on ‘down equipment’ to reduce unfavorable labor variances. You will observe operations to ensure compliance with quality standards and safety regulations, taking corrective action for any deviations, and continuously analyze areas for improved production methods and cost controls.
• Interdepartmental Coordination & Communication: Effectively communicate on-the-job problems, such as low production or poor quality, working with employees to develop and document corrective action plans. You will also coordinate functions with other departments or shifts and conduct meetings to communicate policies and regulations.
• Administrative & Emergency Response: Process all required forms for payroll and Human Resources in a timely manner, and in case of an emergency, direct team members to their assigned safe areas, promoting plant-wide teamwork and positive morale.

The Must-Haves
• Background: This is an Entry-Level role for a one-year paid program designed to develop future operational leaders. No specific prior education or management experience is explicitly stated as a prerequisite, as the program provides comprehensive training.
• Experience: The program itself offers field-based training and opportunities to shadow seasoned experts across Operations, Commercial, and Support functions. Prior management or operational experience is not a requirement, as the program prepares individuals for these responsibilities.
• Skills: Candidates should demonstrate qualities of being results-driven, creative in problem-solving, and collaborative in a team environment. The program provides comprehensive leadership training and professional development.
• Bonus: None explicitly mentioned for selection into the Operations Supervisor Trainee program.